The trend towards cremations and away from burials in the United States over the last few years has affected Visalia District Cemetery's income.

Cindy Summers, the cemetery’s district manager, said the monthly average of burials is down to 31 over the last six months of 2017.

That’s down from 42 during the 2016-2017 fiscal year and 37 from 2015-2016.

The monthly average of burials for 2014-2015 was also 42.

“This issue will change the footprint of the cemetery for the next 100 years,” said board member George Ouzounian.

According to a 2017 report from the Cremation Association of North America, cremations topped 50 percent during 2016, making it the most popular way for body disposition.

California, which ranks among the states with the highest percentage of cremations, showed the highest increase over the last four years. At 62 percent, California ranks near the top in cremations rates. Oregon and Washington have higher cremation rates.

Rising burial costs, a softer stance from the Catholic Church on cremations, a decrease in people ascribing to religious beliefs and population mobility have led to the growing popularity of cremation.

Barbara Kemmis, executive director for Chicago-based CANA, said cremations have increased over time, showing as much as 2 percent hike annually for the last decade.